GOVERNOR CHAN DRIVES EL NINO WATER RELIEF FOR NEW IRELAND COMMUNITIES

KAVIENG, NEW IRELAND — THE prolonged dry spell as an effect of the El Niño conditions is an unavoidable natural disaster.

We do not control it, nor do we create it. But we must deal with it. And learn to adapt to it.

And as a responsible government, New Ireland Governor Hon. Byron Chan has directed initial delivery of almost 4,000 water storage containers (20/25 L) throughout the province beginning at the start of the week.

The effort marks a major drive under the Chan-Kolivos New Ireland Provincial Government response to the severely affected El Niño conditions, with thousands of water containers being distributed to communities to help families cope with water shortages.

The water containers distribution is initiated under the El Niño response for the province, aimed at supporting communities affected by prolonged dry conditions across New Ireland.

Distribution began on Tuesday 08th September, and continuing throughout the week at the same time a further 1,000 plus containers is being transported heading for Namatanai District.

Under the initial distribution allocation, 2,000 plus water containers is allocated and under distribution to the four Local Level Governments of Kavieng district— Murat, Lavongai, Kavieng Urban and Tikana LLGs.

Tikana LLG, one of the areas badly affected by the El Niño conditions in Kavieng, received 600 containers, which were distributed equally among its

five constituencies — Tigak, Kara, Nalik, West Coast and Djaul, with 120 containers allocated to each constituency. Apart from Lavongai LLG delivered 750 pieces followed by Murat with 600 containers. More than 800 pieces of water containers is yet to arrive in the province for further distributions.

The water storage containers distribution exercise led by Fiona Cheong the women’s Chairlady in the Provincial Executive Council described the exercise as timely and real service to the people.

Ms. Cheong said the overwhelming embrace and acknowledgement is received since the distribution exercise started and in Namatanai, mothers, youths and families expressed a greater appreciation for the El Nino relief program.

“These water containers have come at the right time. They will help our families store safe drinking water during this El Nino dry period and protect our communities.

Thank you for remembering your people and for your leadership in caring for the people of New Ireland,” stated Ms. Cheong.

The response reflects Governor Chan’s commitment to ensuring that government assistance reaches people at the community level during times of hardship.

For many rural families, access to safe water remains a major challenge during prolonged dry periods. The provision of water containers is therefore intended to give affected households a practical means of collecting and storing available water supplies.

Recipients in Tikana LLG have responded positively to the assistance, with mothers expressing their gratitude to the Provincial Executive Council, the Provincial Administration and Governor Chan for the initiative.

There is as well a greater concern for long term measures which the provincial disaster response team has taken into consideration recommending that water pumps be installed in the most affected wards that do not have access to streams or rivers, highlighting the need for longer-term water solutions beyond the immediate distribution of containers. This is a working progress to take time by properly identifying water sources and creating reserves for the long run.

The initiative demonstrates the Chan-led provincial government’s focus on responding directly to community needs and providing practical assistance during the El Niño emergency.

While the immediate priority is helping families secure and store water, the request for water pumps points to the need for sustainable infrastructure to strengthen community resilience against future drought conditions.

Governor Chan’s El Niño response is therefore being positioned not only as emergency assistance, but as part of the Provincial Government’s wider responsibility to protect communities and ensure that government support reaches those most affected now and in the long run.

For the people of New Ireland, the message is clear: in times of crisis, government must be present at the community level, responding to immediate needs while working towards lasting solutions.